RAFAEL DE-JESUS

Everybody knows Rafi, and Rafi knows everybody. The sous chef in St. Sebastian’s kitchen is not only an expert cook, but a friend to students and faculty alike and a fantastic mentor to his co-workers. Beloved by our entire school community, for the past 25 years Rafi has spread his contagious positivity and led by example with his faithful work ethic.

The opportunity to be part of the kitchen staff at St. Sebastian’s came about through a chance encounter. While at the dentist with his young children in 1997, Rafi bumped into a former co-worker, Matt Grimes, who had been a tremendous help to him and his wife, Ianette, when they first moved here from Puerto Rico. When Rafi mentioned he was looking for a job, Matt shared an opening through Sage Dining to work at a good school, with good benefits and good room for growth. In recalling this serendipitous meeting, Rafi said, “Of course, I said yes, and since then, it has been an incredible experience where I’m learning new things every day.”

Rafi’s main responsibility is to prepare the day-to-day hot meals for St. Sebastian’s students and faculty. He arrives every morning by 7:00 am to begin getting ready for lunch. On the longest days, when there are special events in the evening, it might be 10:00 pm or later before he heads home to Fall River. For 25 years, he has been doing this routine, and always with the same energy. Head Chef Mike Fuller, who has worked with Rafi for over ten years, praised his attitude: “Rafi’s commitment is one of his biggest strengths. He wants to serve the community and does an excellent job at it.” Dean of Students Brendan Sullivan agreed: “On days when his colleagues are out sick and the delivery truck hasn’t arrived on time, you will never hear a word of complaint or frustration from Rafi. You will hear ‘I have faith in Him’ and ‘God Bless,’ but nothing negative. It is an honor to work with a man of such deep faith and commitment.”

Rafi takes pride in everything he does. Serving lunch to 375 hungry boys every day is not easy, but he executes his job with great skill, using the equipment and food supplies available to ensure that the food is fresh and looks its best. From making pizza every Friday (one of his favorite things to cook for the students), to baking cookies for meetings or cooking a pasta dish for a sports banquet, he gives the same focus to preparing the food. From time to time, Rafi has the creative freedom to experiment, incorporating meals derived from his Puerto Rican background or creating a special recipe for one of the school’s many events. Recently, he and Chef Fuller collaborated on a risotto station for the Faculty-Trustee Dinner that was a huge hit.

Over the years, Rafi’s role has expanded to take on more leadership responsibilities in the kitchen. The loving father of three children and nine grandchildren enjoys being part of a team and sets a great example for everyone around him with his positive approach. For several years, his wife, Ianette, worked alongside him, and he extends this sense of family to all his co-workers, whether they are new or have been part of the team for a while. “Rafi is a great ambassador for both St. Sebastian’s and Sage in how he conducts himself amongst the team and supports new team members,” noted Mike. “He takes ownership of trying to teach those who are new the right way to do things, but in such an uplifting way, never negative.”

Rafi’s spirited presence is felt by those who enter Ward Hall for lunch every day. “If your sky dims to a darker shade of grey, and nothing seems to be going right in your life, do yourself a favor—make a bee line to our kitchen, and find Rafi, our pure hearted gentle giant of infinite goodness and boundless positive energy,” shared Headmaster Bill Burke. “After spending even a few graced moments with him, you’ll be convinced of this powerfully beautiful truth expressed by the poet Robert Browning: ‘God’s in His heaven—All’s right with the world!’” Despite being busy from the moment he arrives at school each day, Rafi somehow finds the time to learn the name of every student and touch base with faculty and staff. He knows many of the alumni as well, connecting with them at Reunion and other special events throughout the year.

Whether it’s a new recipe or a new name, Rafi has never stopped learning since he set foot on St. Sebastian’s campus. “I want to do my best and keep growing with the school that I have learned so much from. St. Sebastian’s is my school, too—my university,” Rafi shared during the Faculty-Trustee Dinner last November where he was recognized for his 25 years of service. “It has been an honor and a privilege working here, getting to know so many people through the years.” The love Rafi has for St. Sebastian’s is mutual—we are beyond blessed to have him as part of our school community.